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Lindsey Wilson College 2012 Rogers Explorers

The first class of The Center for Rural Development’s 2012 Rogers Explorers graduated this week at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia.

Thirty students from across Southern and Eastern Kentucky attended the first summer session of the Rogers Explorers youth leadership program and graduated Tuesday afternoon after spending three days and two nights on the Lindsey Wilson College campus.

Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center, and Delaney Stephens, youth programs coordinator and community liaison, presented each of the graduates with a certificate of appreciation acknowledging their completion of the program.

Rogers Explorers helps rising ninth-grade students build their skills in math, science and technology and focuses on leading them into careers in these in-demand career fields.

“These students are the region’s future business leaders and entrepreneurs,” Lawson said. “The Rogers Explorers program gives students hands-on experience in a college environment and lets them see the value of higher education while preparing them for success.”

For many of these students, this is their first time to be on a college campus and experience college life.

“I have visions of becoming a genetic engineer, and Rogers Explorers helped me further my knowledge in a different setting,” said Carley Miller, 15, of Albany. “By participating in this program, I had the opportunity to attend a college biology class.”

During their stay at Lindsey Wilson College, Rogers Explorers work hands-on with college professors to advance their knowledge in math, science, and technology.

“This program is a great way to get a head-start to prepare for a career. The biggest thing is learning from these amazing professors who leave you with wanting more.”
Rogers Explorer graduate Riley Hall of Somerset

Rogers Explorers at Lindsey Wilson College studied genetics in biology class, analyzed data, looked at problem-solving solutions, and worked on their leadership skills.

“Rogers Explorers emphasized the leadership traits that help us become leaders,” said Julianna Singleton, 14, of Mt. Vernon. “I personally have been inspired to stand up for my beliefs and become a stronger leader.”

Besides Lindsey Wilson College, Rogers Explorers camps will be held this summer on the campuses of the University of the Cumberlands, Eastern Kentucky University, and Morehead State University.

“What an engaging session of the 2012 Rogers Explorers program at Lindsey Wilson College,” Stephens said. “It is inspirational to work with such a bright group of young leaders from Southern and Eastern Kentucky.”

Graduates of the 2012 Rogers Explorers program at Lindsey Wilson College are:

  • Carrie McClellan and Carley Miller—Clinton County
  • Addington “Addie” Eastham, Sierra Hall, and John Ingram—Green County
  • Rayanna Boston, Noah “Gage” Edmunds, Brilyn Garrett, Andrew Roach, and Hayden Crain—Metcalfe County
  • Mason Allen—Monroe County
  • Makayela Banks, Sarah Dick, Philip Golden, Lance Hall, Riley Hall, Laura Hancock, Audrey Moore, and Zachary Wesley—Pulaski County
  • Sara Clark, Julianna Singleton, and Alex Spragens—Rockcastle County
  • Brooke Hachey—Russell County
  • Korri Briggs, Kathryn Doss, MaKenzie Murrell, and Avery Paige Dabney—Taylor County
  • Molly Dalton, Reagan Roberts, and Kylie Jones—Wayne County

Click here to view photographs of the 2012 Rogers Explorers on the campus of Lindsey Wilson College.